the keys to the Ravens defence, marshalling everyone and putting their bodies on the line all season. Unfortunately, they ended the season early, which left us to round out our season without the pair. However, the Ravens players could lift their heads high throughout the season, improving as individuals and as a team. Kevin Harris Manager
the game the boys had worked on at the training grounds. However, as the season progressed, injuries and Covid-19-related absences rendered a large number of key players unavailable for extended periods, necessitating boys to ‘fill the gaps’ and play outside their preferred positions. Under such circumstances, the 15As went head to head in a match against a strong Ferrymead Bays side at Barnett Park. Although the game ended in a disappointing 0–1 loss, the ‘makeshift’ team approached the match in high spirits, showing disciplined defence to hold off the opposition until the dying moments. While College did not come away with a win, the remarkable defensive performance was indicative of the growth and development each player had made during the season – not only in terms of their understanding of match tactics and positional awareness, but also as a true reflection on the boys’ versatility, character and resilience.
For the 14A football team, 2022 was a very positive year – both on and off the pitch – with the boys and parents providing an excellent atmosphere at the games. Our first grading games started with some mixed results as we worked out combinations around the field. Of these first five grading games, four were decided within the final five minutes, an indication of the heart-stopping action that was to follow later in the season. Having secured our spot in Division 1 of the 14s grade, the team set about its work towards the goal of finishing in the top half. A four-game winning streak against Nomads, Cashmere Tech, Parklands, and Papanui put the team in good shape to challenge for the top half of the league. Standout performances from Yul Kwon in defence, Sammy O’Connell, and Otto Church in midfield, and a tight tussle for top goal scorer between Louis Fogarty and Tasman Daly meant that the team was off to a flying start to the full season. A particularly memorable performance came against Nomads. Having lost 6–5 to Nomads in the grading games, the team produced a near-perfect performance to dominate and led 5–0 – before letting some last-minute opportunities in – to eventually win 5–2. It was a game during which all players produced moments of brilliance and skill – from David Wayne in goal with some diving one-handed saves, to Felix Derry and Moss Unverricht weaving in and out of players in our own defensive areas to set up attacking movements. It was the most complete team game played all year and showed the boys’ ability when playing together. The strong start to the season set up an exciting encounter with the other undefeated team at that stage, FC Twenty 11, who had conceded only one goal in seven games. A tight, fast-paced game ensued as the 14As took the challenge to the opposition, with FC Twenty 11 in shock at 3–2 up with College hot on attack in the last 20 minutes. Some disputable decisions (and non-decisions) resulted in an unlucky 4–2 loss, but what was special to see was the
U15A FOOTBALL Manager: Josh Kim Coach: Ricardo Felitti
Team: Freddie Coates (captain), Ollie Biggs, Richard Brown, Henry Church, Tomas Coberger, Riley Diver, Sam Glennie, Ollie Gormack, Jake Hayes, Baxter Lamberg, George Metcalfe, Mark Reidie, Alex Rutherford, Carlos Parker, Finlay Sharpe, Ollie Walker, James Wood The U15A team enjoyed a spectacular season, competing in the 15th grade division one competition. The side featured a large group of players who had played together in the 14A/Junior XI and, under the tutelage of coach Ricardo Felitti, the team connected well, playing a fast and direct style of play to create great goal-scoring opportunities. A string of impressive performances in preseason quickly cemented the U15A as one of the most promising teams in the competition, and the boys kickstarted the season with a convincing 3–1 win against Nomads Reds at Bishopdale Park. Playing to our strength, the metronomic passing ability of Finlay Sharpe, alongside creative ball carriers captain Freddie Coates, Alex Rutherford, and Carlos Parker, orchestrated the rhythm of the match. Keeping patient position in the defensive half, the boys looked to transition the ball with speed and verticality with long flat passes out wide to our lightning-quick wingers, Riley Diver and Ollie Walker. Goals from Ollie Biggs, Carlos Parker, and a wonderful mid-range strike from Freddie Coates sealed the result and resulted in the perfect execution of
Over the season, the 15A team approached each match with
unwavering passion and dedication to not only deliver a stout and steady performance each week, but also to represent themselves and College with great pride. There were many memorable moments and the boys played with a lot of heart. Many thanks to Ricardo and to the parent community who supported the team so loyally in all conditions. Played 10 Won 5 Drawn 2 Lost 3 Place 2nd, Division 1, 15th Grade
U14A FOOTBALL Manager: Dr Neil de Joux Coach: Kynan Salt
Team: Sammy O’Connell (captain), Daniel Church, Otto Church, Tasman Daly, Felix Derry, Louis Fogarty, Max Johnson, Yul Kwon, Finn Mayers, Archie Nijjar, Nisal Pathirana, Sam Pfahlert, James Saunders, Moss Unverricht, David Wayne, Daniel Wilson, Liam Wylie
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Christ’s College Canterbury
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